BARING OUR SHELVES: There’s more than just books at the library

September has been all about reminding our community to sign up for (or renew) a library card during Library Card Sign-up Month. We hope our community members were able to bring a friend or family member to visit the library to check out an item, read a book, use a computer or printer, or participate in a program. Once a library patron, always a library patron! And it’s never too late to rediscover reading at any age.

Remember, a library card gets you far more than books. We also offer many digital resources. You can learn about these free resources by going to your local library during open hours or visiting us online 24/7 at www.ncwlibraries.org/online-resources.

From eBooks, eAudiobooks and digital magazines on apps like Libby and Hoopla to comics, manga, and graphic novels on Comics Plus to art and craft video classes on Creativebug, we also offer access to documentaries and Indie films on Kanopy. You can study a language with Mango Languages, learn a new skill with LinkedIn Learning, or research genealogy and historical records with HeritageQuest, and so much more. A library card allows you to access information from the comfort of your home, school, or work, at times that are convenient for you. Visit us in person or online, and we will be happy to help you explore these cool opportunities. Who knew library cards could be so awesome? Now you do! 

Visit the library during Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) and help us celebrate the contributions, cultures, histories, and traditions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Discover an item in one of our book displays or ask a librarian for a recommendation.

We want to thank the Moses Lake City Council for allowing us to present on the Moses Lake Public Library’s programming and outreach, including 2025 data and trends, on Sept. 22. We were able to share our positive impact on the Moses Lake community and highlight ongoing partnerships with local businesses and nonprofit organizations. We were also happy to share a significant reduction in incidents and trespasses in 2025 and 2026 compared to 2024. We want everyone who visits the library to have a safe experience. If you ever would like to discuss a concern, please ask to speak with a supervisor.

Also, a big thank you to Moses Lake City Council Member Joel Graves for joining NCW Libraries’ staff for a tour of the Moses Lake Public Library earlier this month. Council Member Graves asked thoughtful questions and even took a photo with his library card. We greatly appreciate him participating in Library Card Sign-up Month with us.

The Moses Lake Public Library regularly offers programming for kids, teens, and adults each week. Learn about our library programs and ideas.

Our Early Learners Literacy Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 23, was a success. This annual program, which promotes literacy development in young children, wouldn’t be possible without the support of organizations like Inspire Development Centers, Kids Hope and Moses Lake Pediatric Dentistry. Thank you for helping us connect families with helpful information and resources as their children grow and get older.

Coming soon: Club 7, with our community partners, the Moses Lake Community Coalition, and Only7Seconds, will soon provide a space at the library for youth-led meetings, where teens will use conversation card decks and other tools to explore themes like empathy and belonging.

Bare Our Shelves will appear bi-weekly and features honest musings from your local library staff. Austin Foglesong is the Supervising Librarian II of the Moses Lake Public Library, a branch of NCW Libraries. He has a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Washington. Connie Baulne is the Operations Supervisor of the Moses Lake Public Library. She specializes in controlled chaos and creating a good schedule.

Moses Lake Public Library

418 E. Fifth Ave.

Monday-Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wednesday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday: Closed